Lotus Elan, Elise, Elite, Esprit Hollywood photo gallery

Lotus has given the motoring world an early Christmas present with a bundle of new images of its stunning concept creations on location at a Hollywood beach.

Lotus unveiled the Elan, Elise, Elite and Esprit concepts at the 2010 Paris Motor Show in October, and announced all four models would be gradually rolled off the production line between now and 2015.

The Elan concept is powered by a 331kW/465Nm 4.0-litre V6 and is capable of racing from 0-100km/h in just 3.5 seconds.

The mid-engined, rear-wheel drive Elan includes a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and an optional KERS hybrid system, which helps keeps emissions to 199g/km and pushes the 1295kg rocket on to 310km/h. It will go on sale in 2013.

The Elise concept is an equally pretty piece of machinery. Expected to hit the market in 2015, the new Elise is powered by a 235kW/330Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine. The sprint from 0-100km/h comes up in 4.3 seconds and the 1095kg two-seater will continue all the way to 270km/h.

The 2015 Lotus Elise will be available with a six-speed manual or dual-clutch auto, as well as an optional mild hybrid system, which uses stop/start engine technology.

Stepping up a gear is the Elite concept: a genuine four-seat sports car. Powered by a 5.0-litre V8 engine and an optional hybrid system, the Elite packs 465kW of power and a slamming 720Nm of torque.

Acceleration from 0-100km/h comes up in a brisk 3.7 seconds and the top speed is a blistering 315km/h. The all-new Lotus Elite is due for release in 2014.

And finally, saving the best for last as we like to do, the Lotus Esprit concept. The two-seater, mid-engined, rear-wheel drive features the V8 from the Elite with the same power and torque figures. But with 200kg less weight to haul around, it flies from 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds and won’t stop until it gets to its 330km/h top speed.

Production is due to start in late in 2012 for a launch in the first half of 2013.

Lotus make such beautiful cars. I hope they are designed around six filters now. Almost bought a low mileage Lotus Esprit back in 2004 near Norwich. As soon as I climbed in my dream was shattered, so cramped. The test drive was nice though.

Ima Hogg

The esprite 0-100km/h in 3.4 seconds wow that sounds insanly fast. Wonder how much it will be. BUT it is a stunner as with others.

Kang

Damn, that Esprite looks just stunning!

Vince

Beautiful cars, nice work Lotus, just make the real ones look close to the same and you will be on a winner. I really want one of these now

deco

Way to re-invent yourself Lotus.

Amazing, I’d take the Espirit over a 458.

Acfsambo

Very nice Lotus, though they should have tried to get the Elise under 1000kg, if only for the marketing side of things, though 1056kg isnt heavy these days (though heavy compared to the 1st Elsie).

Steve-Poyza

Elite! :O
Stunning!

http://autosleek.net Tom

So very different to anything else Lotus has ever designed or produced, but then again, in so many respects these cars are so much better!

Adonis

If any of the models can fit someone of 6’5″ and be under $90k, I’ll be first to sign up! Here’s hoping